Convertible chair



March 8, 1938. L. F. BERNAU' CONVERTIBLE CHAIR Filed Nov. 9, i934lrblmllllll @www j? y 5er-maas,

March 8, i938. L. F. BERNAL;

CONVERTIBLE CHAIR Filed News, 1954 wggana.

Guowm March 8, 1938.

L.. F. BERNALJ` CONVERTIBLE CHAIR Filed Nov. 9, 1934 K 3 Sheets-Sheet 3Patented Mar. 8, 1938 UNITED STATES une PATENT OFFICE 12 Claims.

This invention is a convertible chair of the type provided withadjustable parts capable of various corelated uses and adjustments.

One of the objects of the invention is to provide a chair of simpleconstruction provided with adjustable parts so related that the chairmay be readily converted into various useful forms, and as readilyreturned to its normal assembly for ordinary uses. A further object isto provide a main chair portion equipped with various attachmentscapable of numerous corelated adjustments by means of which thestructure may be readily converted from the form of a simple standardtype kitchen chair to that of a rocking chair, a lounge chair with footrest, a toilet chair, an invalid table, a card table, an ironing board,or a step ladder at will.

The invention will be hereinafter fully set forth and particluarlypointed out in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 is a perspective View illustrating the invention in the form of alounge chair. Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional View of the chairillustrated in Fig. 1, showing in dotted lines the seat and back panelsextended to form a table structure. Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional Viewon the line 3 3 of Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a vertical sectional viewillustrating the parts adapted for use as a toilet chair. Fig. 5 is ahorizontal sectional view on the line 5-5 of Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is anenlarged detail sectional view illustrating the clamping means for thestep ladder. Fig. '7 is a side elevation illustrating the parts adjustedto use the stepladder. Fig. 8 is a detail sectional view illusf tratingthe hinge between the seat and back panels and the locking meanstherefor. Fig. 9 is a detail sectional View on the line 9-9 of Fig. 8.Fig, 10 is a detail sectional View illustrating the complementa] means.for engaging the seat panel and the extension frame. Fig. 1l is a detailview of the engaging plate illustrated in Fig. 10. Fig. 12 is a detailview showing removablerockers applied to the chair structure.

Referring to the drawings, IIJ designates back members which arepivotally connected to the side members II of a seat frame, said sidemembers being connected by a front cross member I2, the latter beingprovided with front legs I3. The back members Ill are extended toprovide the rear legs of the chair structure. The details of the pivotalconnections between the back members I and the side members I I will bemore specically described later, the structure thus far described, whilein the position illustrated in Figs.

l, 2, 3, 4 and 5, constituting a frame for a standard type chair.

The back members Il! are connected by cross members or steps I4, whichprovide a step ladder under adjustments to be later described, saidsteps `serving to rigidly connect said back members.

Pivotally connected to the members I0, adjacent to one of the steps I4,is the upper portion of a back panel I5, and to the lower edge of saidback panel is hinged a seat panel I6, said panels being so constructedand arranged that in thev position illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, theyconstitute the back and seat of the chair. That is, while the back is inits normal depending position, the seat panel occupies a forwardlyprojected horizontal position.

Extended across the front portion of the chair and resting upon thefront cross bar I2 is a cross f member I1, to` which is hinged the sidebars i of an extension member E, the free ends of said side bars beingconnected by a cross member I9, to which legs 26 for the extensionmember are hingediy connected at one end. While the extension member Eand the legs 2li are in extended position as shown in Fig. l, the chairis converted into a lounge chair, in which the panels I5 and I6constitute the back and seat respectively, and the cross member I9constitutes a foot rest supported by the legs 20. While the parts are infolded position, the side bars I8 rest upon the side members I I of thechair on either side of the seat panel I6, and the cross member I9restsV upon and spans the space between them, beneath the panel I6, thelegs 20 occupying a position backv of the panel I5, the steps I4 beingcut-away to provide clearance. See Fig. 4. To permit folding of theextension member and the legs 20 to these positions, it is rst necessaryto swing the Y back panel on its pivot a sufficient distance to elevatethe seat panel and to allow the cross mem,- ber I9 and the legs 20 to bemoved to their rearward positions, and after they have been so moved theseat and back panels are returned to their Y normal positions as shownin dotted lines, in

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they may be readily engaged or disengaged, as shown in detail in Fig.10, to provide an interengagement between the extension member E and theseat panel I6. This may be accomplished by swinging the back panel I5and the seat panel I6 to a horizontal position and locking them againstpivotal movement by means of bolts 23 engaging suitable keepers, andthen engaging the stud 2l with the keeper plate 22. See Fig. 2. In thisform, the seat and back panels constitute a table which may be used asan ironing table, a card table, an invalids table, or for any other usefor which a table may be desired. While in this position, the extensionmember E f1rmly braces the table and the front member is allowed toextend as indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 2.

If it is desired to use the chair as a toilet chair, the? extensionmember E is folded back to the position shown in Figs. 4 and 5, and theback and seat panels I5 and I6 respectively, are folded over the back ofthe chair as indicated in Fig. 4, the legs 20 then constituting the backof the chair. At the same time, the cross members I1 and I 9, which areprovided with inner curved edges, constitute an open seat. Suitableflanges 24 are secured to the seat side members II in such manner as tosupport a pan P, or if desired, the pan may be omitted and the chairused for taking a vapor bath by placing a vapor producing Vessel beneaththe opening. For convenience, the back members are provided with armrests 25, which extend rigidly forward.

The back members I0 form the rear legs of the chair as well as the sidesof a step ladder L. Said side members are provided with recesses 26 toreceive the free ends of the side members II, and said members I0 and Ilare pivotally connected by bolts 21 extending through the members I0 andengaging threaded thimbles 28 seated in the back members ID. Said pivotbolts 21 are provided with winged-heads 29, so that they may be readilymanipulated. As shown, these heads are formed by extending the stem of*the bolt through a standard type wing nut and peening the end of saidstem, so that the parts are joined against relative movement. A bearingplate 30 is interposed between each head 29 and the adjacent side memberI so as to take up the Wear. In order to bring the ends of members Ilinto engagement with the recesses 2S, it is necessary to spring saidmembers outwardly and then to maintain them in the sprung position bythe bolts 21. In order to prevent disengagement of the members II fromthe recesses 2B in the event of accidental loosening of the bolts 21,said members are provided with cleats 3l, which are engaged by slottedportions 32 of the cross member I9 while`the extension member E is infolded position.

When it is desired to use the chair as a step ladder, it is rstnecessary to move the back backwardly so as to tilt said side members bya pivotal movement on the bolts Z1. After the desired inclination of thestep ladder has been obtained, the bolts 21 are again tightened, so asto prevent relative movement of the back members and the side members,thereby thoroughly bracing the structure for such weight as willnormally rest upon it.

If desired, removable rockers R may be provided as shown in Fig. l2,which will serve to additionally lock the back member against pivotalmovement while the parts are in their normal chair-functioningpositions.

The various adjustments of the chair may be readily understood from theforegoing description. The advantages of the invention will be apparentto those skilled in the art to which it belongs. For instance, it willbe observed that a very simple form of main chair section is provided,the same being equipped with various attachments which are capable ofnumerous corelated adjustments by means of which the structure may beconverted to different forms having numerous specific uses, asdescribed. A further advantage is that'the parts are of simpleconstruction and may be easily and readily manipulated and adjustedwithout getting out of order or becoming deranged.

Having thus explained the nature of the invention and described anoperative manner of constructing and using the same, although withoutattempting to set forth all of the forms in which it may be made, or allof the forms of its use, what is claimed is:

1. VIn a convertible chair, the combination with a main chair portionconsisting of a seat frame, leg members and back members, of a backpanel pivotally supported at its top by the back members in such mannerthat it will normally depend freely fromv its pivotal support, a seatpanel having its rear edge hinged to the normally lower edge of saidback panel, said panels and their hinged connections being soconstructed and arranged that while the back panel is in its normaldepending position, the seat panel is in a forwardly projectedhorizontal position, and said panels may be moved into alignment whenthe lower end of said back panel is moved upwardly out of said normalposition, means for preventing relative movement of said panels whilethey are in alignment, an extension frame hinged at one end to the frontedge of the seat frame, the other Vend of the extension frame being freeand movable to a position beneath the seat panelwhile said panels are inalignment, said extension frame being ioldable to a position beneath theseat panel and resting upon the topV of the seat frame while the backand seat panels are in their respectively normal back and seatfunctioning positions, said seat panel and said extension frame havingcomplemental interengageable means.

2. In a convertible chair, the combination with main chair portionconsisting of a seat frame, leg members and back members, of a backpanel pivotally supported at its top by the back members in such mannerthat it will normally depend freely from its pivotal support, a seatpanel having its rear edge hinged to the normally lower edge of saidback panel, said panels and their hinged connections being soconstructed and arranged that while the back panel is in its normaldepending position, the seat panel is vin a forwardly projectedhorizontal position and said panels may be movedinto alignment 'when thelower end of said back panel is moved upwardly out of said normalposition, means for preventing relative movement of said panels whilethey v are in alignment, an extension frame hinged at one end to thefront edge of the seat frame, the other end of the extension frame beingfree and movable to a position beneath the seat panel while said panelsare in alignment, said extension frame being foldable to apositionbeneath the seat panel and resting upon the top of the seatframe while the back and seat panels are in their respectively normalback and seat functioning positions, a stud carried by the free end ofthe extension frame and a slotted resilient keeper carried by theundersurface of the seat panel in a position to be engageable with saidstud.

3. In a convertible chair, the combination with a main chair portionhaving legs, a seat frame and a back frame, of a back panel having itsupper end pivoted to the back frame, a seat panel hinged to the loweredge of the back panel in such manner that they are relatively movablewith respect to each other, an extension frame having relatively spacedside bars so disposed as to lie on opposite sides of the seat panelwhile in folded position in such manner as to provide clearance forpivotal movement of the seat panel, and means pivctally connecting theside bars of the extension frame to the front portion of the `seatframe.

4. In a convertible chair, the combination with a main chair portionhaving legs, a seat frame and a back frame, of a back panel having itsupper end pivoted to the back frame, a seat panel hinged to the loweredge of the back panel in such manner that they are relatively movablewith respect to each other, an extension member having relatively spacedside bars so disposed as to lie on opposite sides of the seat panelwhile in folded position in such manner as to provide clearance forpivotal movement of the seat panel, means pivotally connecting the sidebars of the extension frame to the front portion of the seat frame, andlegs hinged to the front portion of the extension member in such mannerthat they will lie behind the back panel while in vfolded position andWill rest upon the iloor whil-e in extended position.

5. In a convertible chair, the combination with a main chair portionhaving legs, a seat frame and a back frame, of. a back panel having itsupper end pivoted to the back frame, a seat panel hinged to the loweredge of the back panel, an extension frame having spaced apart side barshinged to the front portion of the seat frame, said extension memberhaving slots therein, cleats secured to the seat frame in a position tobe engaged by said slots while the extension frame is in foldedposition, and legs pivoted to said extension frame in such position asto occupy the space behind the back panel while the parts are in foldedrelation.

6, In a convertible chair, the combination with a main chair portionhaving legs, a seat frame and a back frame, said seat frame havingcleats secured thereto near the rear thereof, of a back panel having itsupper end pivoted to the back frame, a seat panel hinged to the loweredge of the back panel, an extension frame hinged to the front portionof the seat frame and provided with a cross bar having slots thereincomplemental to said cleats, and legs hinged to said cross bar in suchmanner that they will lie behind the back panel while the parts are inassembled relation.

'7. In a convertible chair, the combination with a main chair portionhaving legs, a seat frame and a back frame, of a cross member secured tothe front portion of the seat frame, a back panel having its upper endpivoted to the back frame, a seat panel hinged to the lower edge of theback panel, an extension frame having spaced apart side bars pivctallyconnected to said cross member, said extension frame also having a crossmember at its outer end, said cross members being so disposed as toprovide an open seat while the seat panel is raised and the extensionframe is located in folded position.

8. In a convertible chair, the combination with a main chair portionhaving legs, a seat frame and a back frame, of a cross member secured tothe front portion of the seat frame, a back panel having its upper endpivoted to the back frame, a seat panel hinged to the lower edge of theback panel, an extension frame having spaced apart side bars pivctallyconnected to said cross member, said extension frame also having a crossmember at its outer end, legs hinged to the cross member of saidextension frame, said cross members being so relatively positioned -asto provide an open seat while the seat and back panels are in raisedposition and the extension frame in folded position, said legsconstituting a back portion for the chair while in the open seatadjustment.

9. In a convertible chair, the combination with a main chair portionconsisting of a ladder constituting the back and rear legs thereof, thesides of the ladder having recesses therein, a seat frame having sidebars free at their rear ends and positioned to engage said recesses,front legs connected with said side bars, and means pivotally connectingsaid side bars to the sides of the ladder in such manner as to slightlyspring the ends of said side bars into engagement with the recesses, ofa back panel pivctally connected to the side bars of said vstep ladder,a seat panel hinge-d to the lower edge of the back panel, and anextension frame hinged to the front portion of said side bars, saidextension frame and said side bars having complemental means fornormally preventing inward movement of the free ends of the side barswhile the parts are in folded relation.

l0. In a convertible chair, the combination with a main chair portionconsisting of a ladder constituting the back and rear legs thereof, thesides of the ladder having recesses therein, a seat frame having sidebars free at their rear ends and positioned to engage said recesses,front legs connected with said side bars and means pivctally connectingsaid side bars to the sides of the ladder in such manner as to slightlyspring the ends of said side bars into engagement with the recesses, ofa back panel pivctally connected to the side bars of said step ladder, aseat panel hinged to the lower edge of the back panel, an extensionframe hinged to the front portion of said side bars, and cleats securedto the rearl ends of said side bars, said extension frame having slotspositioned to engage said cleats while the extension frame is in foldedposition.

11; In a convertible chair, the combination with a main chair having anopen seat frame, legs and a back, of a back panel pivctally suspendedfrom said back in such manner that its lower edge is free and the panelis adjustable to occupy a vertically disposed depending position or anupwardly projected approximately vertical position, a seat panelpivctally connected to the free edge of the back panel, the pivotalconnection of said seat and back panels being such that the seat panelis. free to rest upon the seat frame while the back panel occupies itsdepending position and to swing backwardly over the chair back While theback panel occupies its upwardly extended position, an extension framehaving its rear end pivotally7 connected to the seat frame, saidextension frame also having side bars, the other end of the extensionframe beingfree,

' said extension frame being movable on its pivotal connection to suchposition that its side bars rest on said seat frame while the seat panelis swung backwardly over the chair back, and legs movably connected withthe free end of said exm-ftension frame in such manner that they will 20gaging the sides of said back, and means connected with said bolts forremovably retaining the back between the side bars of the seat frame andin engagement with said recesses, the back being of a width to slightlyspread the free ends 5 of said side bars while so engaged, and cleats onsaid side bars, of a back panel pivotally suspended from said back insuch manner that its lower edge is free and the panel is adjustable tooccupy a vertically disposed depending position or an upwardly projectedapproximately vertical position, a seat panel pivotally connected to thefree edge of the back panel, the pivotal connection of said seat andback panels being such that the seat panel is free to rest upon the seatframe while the back panel occupies its depending position and to swingbackwardly over the chair back While the back panel occupies itsupwardly extended position, an'extension frame having its rear endpivotally connected to the seat frame, said extension frame also havingside bars, the other end of the extension frame being free, saidextension frame being movable on its pivotal connection to such4position that its side bars rest on said seat frame While the seatpanel is swung backwardly over the chair back, the side bars of theextension frame having slots therein complemental to and engageable withsaid cleats to prevent relative inward movement of the last mentionedside bars during such engagement, and legs movably connected with thefree end of said extension frame in such manner that they will restagainst said chair back while the extension frame rests upon the seatframe. LUDWIG F. BERNAU.

